US7934692B2

Table edge supporting apparatus

Summary by NHIP

Segmented Arm Table Support

The apparatus supports an accessory from a surface using a segmented holder that pivots on two transverse axes. A locking member with magnetic properties maintains the holder in a stored position adjacent to and parallel with the support member.

Claim Score by NHIP

Read claim 3, the broadest

Abstract

An apparatus for support a handbag from the edge of a table or other structure is presented. The apparatus includes a segmented arm that can be collapsed to allow for compact storage of the apparatus.

US7934692B2, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 7

Term

Term ended

Expired 17 March 2025, 1.5 years ago.

8 claims: 4 independent, 4 dependent

1
Apparatus for supporting an accessory from a support surface, including a hollow housing, a pivot pin extending through the hollow housing, a pivot block supported by the pivot pin in the hollow housing for pivotal movement in the housing, a holder formed from segments having an extending relationship, the holder extending through the pivot block for pivotal movement relative to the pivot block on a first axis and for pivotal movement with the pivot block relative to the housing on a second axis transverse to the first axis to provide a first position of the holder in an extending disposition outside the housing and a second position of the holder within the housing in a collapsed disposition.
3
Broadest claimClaim Score 64, broad(NHIP)Apparatus for supporting an accessory from a support surface, comprising:a support member;a pivot pin extending into the support member;a magnetizable holder having segments, the holder having an extending disposition and a stored disposition, the holder pivotally mounted to the pivot pin such that the holder may pivot on a first axis relative to the pivot pin and may pivot relative to the support member on a second axis transverse to the first axis to provide a first position of the holder in the extending disposition from the support member for holding the accessory and a second position of the holder adjacent to and in a plane parallel to the support member in the stored disposition, and a locking member having magnetic properties disposed on the support member for maintaining the holder in the second position.
4
Apparatus for supporting an accessory from a support structure, including:a support member having an opening defined by a pair of parallel walls, the support member constructed to be disposed on the support structure, a pivot block pivotably disposed in the opening of the support member between the pair of parallel walls, a holder for the accessory, the holder formed of segments and having first and second positions and being coupled to the pivot block in the first and second positions, the first position defined by the holder being outside of the opening in the support member and operative in the first position to hold the accessory in a suspended relationship from the support structure, the second position defined by the holder being disposed within the opening in the support member, the holder also being pivotable relative to the pivot block on a first axis and being pivotable with the pivot block on a second axis transverse to the first axis to move the holder between the first and second positions.
5
Apparatus for supporting an accessory from a support structure, a support member having an opening and constructed to be disposed on the support structure, a pivot block disposed in the opening in the support structure and constructed to be pivoted in the opening in the structure, an extendible holder formed of segments, the holder having first and second ends, the first end being disposed in the pivot block for rotation relative to the pivot block on a first axis and pivotable with the pivot block on a second axis transverse to the first axis, the extendible holder being pivotable between a an extended position providing for a position of the support member downwardly from the support structure and a non-extended storage position providing for a disposition of the holder adjacent the support member;and a locking member having magnetic properties disposed on the support member for cooperating with the holder, the holder being magnetizable, for maintaining the holder in the non-extended storage position of the holder.

Independent claims4

28 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/076,271, filed Mar. 10, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,929, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to apparatus used to hang or support personal items such as purses or jackets and, more particular, to supporting apparatus employed to support items from the horizontal surface of a table, desk or the like.

2. Prior Art

The prior art discloses numerous devices which are used to hold handbags, purses and the like from the edge of an elevated, horizontal platform such as a table. As a general rule, the devices disclosed by the prior art are intended to be small in size and sufficiently small to be maintained by the user in his or her jacket or handbag.

One of the devices disclosed by the prior art for hanging or otherwise supporting handbags at the edge or periphery of a table, desk or other horizontal support employs an upper member having a first flange adapted to be placed adjacent the support surface and a second flange secured to the first flange extending downwardly. A C-shaped member or hook is secured to the lower terminus of the second flange of the upper member on which the handbag or purse is to be supported. The problems inherent in this device primarily relate to the lack of flexibility for use and storage. Although the C-shaped member is capable of being pivoted relative to the supporting flange, the overall structure cannot be reduced in size for storage. The present invention substantially resolves this inadequacy by providing an apparatus within which a supporting hook is pivotally coupled and which is capable of being stored within its associated housing.

Another support apparatus disclosed by the prior art includes a hook for hanging a purse of other personal item from a table or desk surface. The supporting hook is pivotally coupled to the supporting housing for movement in a plane perpendicular to the table or desk surface. However, the supporting hook cannot be stored within the associated housing. The present invention resolves this inadequacy by providing a coupling between the support hook and housing which permits the supporting hook to be collapsed upon itself and disposed within the confines of the housing for efficient storage thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a supporting apparatus to provide means for hanging or otherwise supporting purses, handbags, jackets and the like from the horizontal surface of a table or desk. A housing adapted to be disposed upon the horizontal surface of the table or desk comprises a pair of planar housing panels positioned in parallel spaced relation to one another. An interior wall having a uniform height is disposed between the housing panels and is perpendicular thereto. A pivot block is adapted to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the planar panels. A supporting hook is pivotally coupled to the pivot block in a manner which permits the supporting member to be rotated in two planes, one being perpendicular to that the housing panels and one plane being parallel thereto. The pivotability of the supporting member relative to the housing panels permits the supporting hook to be properly oriented relative to the desk or table when in use as well as being disposed and secured between the housing panels for storage.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved supporting apparatus for hanging personal items from the horizontal surface of a table or desk.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a supporting apparatus which employs a supporting member which can be collapsed and stored and secured within its associated housing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible supporting member for personal items which exhibits surfaces for receiving decorative ornamentation.

It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a supporting apparatus for purses, handbags and the like which is simple and inexpensive to fabricate.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawing in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for the purpose of illustration and description only, and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a front perspective view of a preferred form of the present invention table edge supporting apparatus illustrating the support of a handbag from a table surface.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front elevation view of the present invention illustrating the supporting hook in its stored position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>a is a partial top plan view of the present invention supporting apparatus taken through line 3-3 of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrating the support hook in position for storage.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>b is a partial top plan view of the present invention supporting apparatus taken through line 3-3 of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrating the storage hook in a stored position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a side elevation view of the present invention illustrating the support hook in a stored position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a front elevation view of the present invention illustrating the support hook in the extended position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a side elevation view of the present invention supporting apparatus illustrating the support hook in an extended position.

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a side elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the support hook shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, inclusive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An understanding of the present invention supporting apparatus can be best understood by reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, the present invention supporting apparatus being generally designated by the reference numeral 10. The present invention is intended to support or otherwise hang personal items such as a purse, handbag or jacket from a horizontal desk or table surface 11. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the present invention supporting apparatus 10 is illustrated supporting a handbag 12.

The present invention 10 embodies a housing consisting of a top panel 13 and a bottom panel 14 in parallel spaced relation to each other. The relative position of panels 13 and 14 are maintained by an interior wall comprised of elements 15 and 16 are perpendicular to top and bottom panels 13 and 14. The interior walls 15 and 16 are uniform in height. Although <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> illustrates an interior wall comprised of a pair of interior wall elements 15 and 16, it is understood interior walls 15 and 16 may be constructed in a unitary manner. It is also understood that top panel 13, bottom panel 14 and wall elements 15 and 16 can be part of an integral structure as opposed to discrete parts. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> illustrate the use of hinge 17 to pivotally couple top panel 13 to interior wall 15. It is understood that the present invention contemplates the use of an unhinged top panel 13 that is secured to the upper surfaces 18 and 19 of interior walls 15 and 16, respectively.

It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide means to support a handbag 12 or the like from the horizontal surface 11. To prevent the present invention supporting apparatus 10 from being inadvertently dislodged from horizontal surface 11, first and second non-skid members 25 and 26 are secured to the bottom surface of bottom panel 14. Non-skid members 25 and 26 may be constructed from conventional materials having a sticky surface such as rubber or the like. Although the present invention has been described utilizing two non-skid members 25 and 26, it is understood a single non-skid member may be utilized. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1</figref>, 2 and 4, when affixed to the bottom surface of bottom panel 14, non-skid members 25 and 26 are disposed adjacent supporting surface 11.

A positionable support hook 30 provides the means to support a handbag 11. Support hook 30 comprises a substantially L-shaped flange comprised of contiguous segments 32, 33 and 34. Segment 34 of support hook 30 is pivotally coupled to pivot block 31. Pivot block 31 is rotatably coupled about a supporting pin 35 in the directions designated by reference numeral 40 (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>a and 3b). Supporting pin 35 is secured to bottom panel 14 and is perpendicular thereto. Segment 34 of supporting hook 30 is disposed through aperture 36 (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and is rotatably coupled within aperture 36 in a manner that permits supporting hook 30 to rotate about the axis of segment 34 in the directions indicated by reference numeral 41 (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>).

In its open, extended position, support hook 30 will be positioned perpendicular to upper and lower planar panels 13 and 14. In the storage position, support hook 30 will be rotated counterclockwise (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) until support hook 30 is positionable between upper and lower planar panels 13 and 14 (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>).

The storage of supporting hook 30 may be best understood by reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3</figref>a and 3b. As stated hereinabove, pivot block 31 is rotatable about pivot pin 35 in the manner designated by reference numeral 40. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>a, support hook 30 has been rotated counterclockwise as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> until it lies in a plane intermediate upper and lower planar panels 13 and 14. To store supporting hook 30, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>a, pivot block 31 is rotated counterclockwise about pivot pin 35 until lobe 42 of pivot block 31 is positioned adjacent detent 43 of interior wall 15. Concurrently, the terminus 44 of segment 32 of support hook 30 will be positioned adjacent the opposing terminus 35 of interior wall 15. To maintain support hook 30 in the stored position, a magnet 45 is secured to a portion of interior wall 16 in a manner that will permit a magnetic attraction between magnet 45 and segment 33 of support hook 30. It is understood by those persons having skill in the art that the operator of the present invention encompasses the storage of support hook 30 independent of magnet 45. When terminus 44 of support hook 30 is positioned adjacent terminus 45 of interior wall 15, support hook 30 will be in a fully stored position.

An alternative embodiment for the support hook shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-6</figref>, inclusive, can be best seen by reference to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. As stated, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a supporting apparatus for hanging personal items from the horizontal surface of a table or desk. The alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrates a telescoping support hook 60 that is extendable to permit use with tables having vertical obstructions and be collapsible for storage between top panel 13 and bottom panel 14. Storage hook 60 comprises an L-shaped flange 61 constituting of contiguous segments 62 and 63. Segment 63 of support hook 60 is pivotally coupled to pivot block 31 in the manner described with respect to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Segment 62 is slidably engaged within supporting sleeve 64 adapting same to slidably move along the outer surface of segment 62 in the alternative directions identified by reference numeral 65. Support sleeve 64 is extended into a hook 66 which is adapted to support handbags, purses and the like.

Contents5

Every citation, both ways

Citations
Document	Relation	Office	Cited during
US2011095152A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
US2011114806A1	Cited by	United States of America	Pre-grant
US8308125B2	Cited by	United States of America	Search report
US9591938B2	Cited by	United States of America	Applicant
US1817962A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US2003038220A1	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US2004108432A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US2004195484A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US2008083862A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US3289985A	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US3379041A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US3442103A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
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US4194714A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US4210302A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US4978093A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US5094417A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US5458301A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US5594419A	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US6345796B1	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US6481680B2	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US7219868B2	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US7322554B2	Cites	United States of America	Applicant
US20030038220A1	Cites	United States of America	Third party observation
US20040108432A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US20040195484A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report
US20080083862A1	Cites	United States of America	Search report

8 members in 2 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim

Priority claims6

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
7627105	United States of America	A	2005-03-10
7627105	United States of America	A	2005-03-10
42288409	United States of America	A	2009-04-13
11076271	–	–	–
US20050076271	–	–	–
US20090422884	–	–	–

Members8

Family members, oldest first
Document	Office	Kind
WO2006104637A2	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A2	2006-10-05
US2007227991A1	United States of America	A1	2007-10-04
WO2006104637A3	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A3	2008-10-23
US7516929B2	United States of America	B2	2009-04-14
US2009256042A1	United States of America	A1	2009-10-15
US7934692B2This record	United States of America	B2	2011-05-03
US2012132773A1	United States of America	A1	2012-05-31
US8702050B2	United States of America	B2	2014-04-22

46 transactions on the USPTO file

Allowed without a rejection on record.

Non-final rejections: 0
Final rejections: 0
RCEs: 0
Appeals: 0

Over time

Point at a mark for the transaction

Transactions

Prosecution transactions, newest first
	Event	Code
2019-06-10	Expire PatentEXP.	EXP.
2018-12-24	Maintenance Fee Reminder MailedREM.	REM.
2011-05-03	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2011-05-03	Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/	PGM/
2011-05-03	Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC	PTAC
2011-04-14	Email NotificationEML_NTR	EML_NTR
2011-04-13	Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR	WPIR
2011-04-05	Dispatch to FDCD1935	D1935
2011-04-04	Correspondence Address ChangeC.AD	C.AD
2011-03-23	Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS	PILS
2011-03-21	Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084	N084
2011-03-21	Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE	IFEE
2011-03-18	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2011-03-14	Mail-Petition Decision - GrantedMP033	MP033
2011-03-14	Petition Decision - GrantedP033	P033
2011-03-14	Correspondence Address ChangeC.AD	C.AD
2011-02-11	Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB	TCPB
2011-02-11	Mail Miscellaneous Communication to ApplicantMM327	MM327
2011-02-10	Miscellaneous Communication to Applicant - No Action CountM327	M327
2011-02-08	Petition EnteredPET.	PET.
2011-01-28	Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC	PUBTC
2010-12-20	Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=.	MN/=.
2010-12-16	Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=.	N/=.
2010-08-20	Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX	FWDX
2010-08-17	Response to Election / Restriction FiledELC.	ELC.
2010-08-17	Request for Extension of Time - GrantedXT/G	XT/G
2010-06-18	Mail Restriction RequirementMCTRS	MCTRS
2010-06-17	Restriction/Election RequirementCTRS	CTRS
2010-05-20	Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK	DOCK
2009-10-15	PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE	PG-ISSUE
2009-07-10	Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC	IDSC
2009-07-10	Electronic Information Disclosure StatementEIDS.	EIDS.
2009-07-10	Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS	WIDS
2009-07-09	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2009-07-09	Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE	OIPE
2009-07-09	Filing Receipt - UpdatedFLRCPT.U	FLRCPT.U
2009-07-02	Preliminary AmendmentA.PE	A.PE
2009-07-02	Additional Application Filing FeesADDFLFEE	ADDFLFEE
2009-07-02	Applicant has submitted a new specification to correct Corrected Papers problemsCORRSPEC	CORRSPEC
2009-05-05	Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA..	PA..
2009-05-05	Corrected PaperCPAP	CPAP
2009-05-05	Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O	FLRCPT.O
2009-04-15	Cleared by OIPE CSRL194	L194
2009-04-14	IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN	SCAN
2009-04-13	Preliminary AmendmentA.PE	A.PE
2009-04-13	Initial Exam Team nnIEXX	IEXX

9 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC

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Events

Legal events, newest first
	Event	Code
2019-07-02	Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance feeLapsedFP	FP
2019-06-10	Lapse for failure to pay maintenance feesLapsedPATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITYLAPS	LAPS
2019-06-10	Information on status: patent discontinuationPATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362STCH	STCH
2018-12-24	Fee payment procedureMAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITYFEPP	FEPP
2014-12-31	Fee paymentFPAY	FPAY
2014-12-31	Surcharge for late paymentSULP	SULP
2014-12-12	Maintenance fee reminder mailedREMI	REMI
2013-04-05	AssignmentAS	AS
2011-04-13	Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF	STCF

Table edge supporting apparatus

Summary by NHIP

Claim Score by NHIP

Abstract